Illinois State University students are back in full swing this semester, and for some it is their last. December graduates and alumni seeking employment are encouraged to stop by the Fall Career Fair from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, October 3, in the Redbird Arena.

Nearly 200 organizations will be attending the fair. Employers represent a number of industries, including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, local businesses, hospitals and government agencies; and most are interested in students from any major. For example, agriculture organization ADM is seeking majors in anthropology, English and parks and recreation. Caterpillar is seeking various education and language and literature majors. Growmark is seeking majors from science and health, to social work and writing. New recruiter Floor Covering Associates is seeking marketing, theatre design, sales and many others.

“These companies not only represent a wide variety of industries, but they are also looking for a variety of majors,” Career Center Assistant Director for Employer Relations Andee Radliff said. “The Fall Career Fair gives students of all majors the opportunity to market their skills and related experience, not just their major. Students should talk to employers from all industries, as many are evaluate candidates with transferable skills, something that students may not even realize they seek.”

Prepare for the Fair

The Career Center provides a number of ways to help students prepare for the Fall Career Fair.

InstaCareer on September 26 allows students to rotate through various sessions to hear first-hand from employers and career advisors how to present themselves at an interview.

Students can order free business cards to distribute to employers and print out their resume on free resume paper through the Career Center.

“Attendees should also review the list of employers attending our career fairs and research them before the event so they are familiar with the organizations, see if they are a good fit, and to be able to answer employer questions effectively,” said Mike Minton, Career Center associate director for Student Relations. A complete list of employers attending fairs and details about them are available on the Career Center website and through Hire-a-Redbird.

Students attending the fair need to bring their Redbird ID and plenty of copies of their resume, and are encouraged to dress in professional attire. Students can also order free business cards to distribute to employers and print out their resume on free resume paper through the Career Center.

Students who take these steps ahead of time will be best prepared for the upcoming Career Fair. Stopping by the Fall Career Fair on October 3 is a great option for students graduating in December, as well as students exploring career options.